westminster gazette

WestminsterGazetteVol. 9, No.5 May 2013po box 147 westminster vt 05158 Our Community Newspaper @ www.westminstervt.org

Soup Ladies Hang Up Their LadlesSome 11,000 bowls of soup later, Laura Leonard and

Nancy Dalzell are hanging up their ladles and doffing theiraprons.

For the past four winters, the two women have prepared andserved three soups each Wednesday at the WestminsterCongregational Church, welcoming all comers for a simplesoup and bread lunch for a freewill donation. Most recently,the soup slurpers have numbered 40 or 50 a week, comingfrom surrounding towns as word of the good, homemade soupsand the convivial atmosphere have filtered out into the com-munity.

Dalzell explained that the soup Wednesday began when thewomen became aware that Our Place Drop-in Center inBellows Falls was not open on Wednesdays, a situation thathas since changed as Our Place is now open every day. But thehabit of Wednesday soup in Westminster kept the crowds com-ing.

This year’s Wednesday lunches ended March 27 with apotluck lunch and a hearty thank you to both the women andtheir helpers, Sierra Sylvester and Karen Rumrill. Dalzell andLeonard were also recently honored by their hometown asWestminster Citizens of the Year.

The women plan to share their soup knowledge with a fewmembers of the community who have come forward to keepthe Wednesday soup tradition stirring.

“There’s a plan in the works to have others continue nextyear,” Dalzell said. “And we hope to be able to make a soupeach month.”

Tomato cheddar, Italian wedding, corn chowder, Frenchonion, chicken stewper, tortellini, split pea…the memories willbe savored until next November.

Left to right, Laura Leonard, Nancy Dalzell, Sierra Sylvester and Karen Rumrillcelebrate the end of the fourth year of Wednesday soup lunches in Westminster.

Katherine Szuch of Westminster, and a first year culinary student at RiverValley Technical Center in Springfield, took the gold medal at the April 4thSkills USA competition in Burlington.

Hundreds of students from all over Vermont competed by demonstratingskills they've been aquiring at different tech schools. Demonstrations rangedfrom electrical to health care, engineering to culinary. The students were giventime limits in which to "strut their stuff" in front of the judges.

Katherine ambitiously chose to make sushi for her demonstration. Her skillsand professionalism not only helped her to bring home the gold but also up toa $15,000 scholarship to be used at culinary school. She will be moving on tonationals in Kansas City in June.

Anyone wishing to help her go for the national gold and put WestminsterVT on the map, could send a donation to the River Valley Tech center inSpringfield,VT 05156 care of her advisor, Chef Donna Vargas.

Congratulations Katherine!

submitted by her proud mom Julie Szuch

Szuch’s Sushi Brings in the GoldSince January, Westminster Center School fifth graders have been partic-

ipating in an online project of Journey North called Mystery Classroom. Wehave been collaborating with a fifth grade class at Green Street School inBrattleboro as we post our predictions on a shared web page and via videoconferencing.

Ten mystery sites around the world were chosen. For the first month weonly received sunrise and sunset times. From this we had to calculate pho-toperiod, which gave us an indication of which hemisphere our mystery loca-tions are in.

On the spring equinox we were able to calculate our latitude, which gaveus an indication of continent. Then as we began to receive interdisciplinaryclues of physical geography, cultural geography, and climate, we were ableto narrow down country then eventually city or region. Last Friday the fifthgraders submitted their final predictions of their Mystery Classrooms to theJourney North web site.

Our predictions are that our Mystery Classrooms are in:Hong Kong, independent region of China, AsiaPort Louis, Mauritius, AfricaCaptain Arturo Prat Base, AntarcticaAberdeen, Scotland, EuropeReykjavik, Iceland, EuropeKaiserslautern, Germany, EuropeDar es Salaam, Pwani, Tanzania, AfricaSan Sebastian, Gomera, Canary Islands, EuropeAntananarivo, Madagascar, AfricaBirmingham, Alabama, USA, North AmericaWe queried students on what they learned during this project. Some of

their responses are as follows:Tanzania is where Jane Goodall studied chimps.I learned that the U.K. has over 5000 islands in a 200 mile radius of

Aberdeen, Scotland.Iceland is a part of Europe.Birmingham, Alabama was one of the first places in the U.S. to have open

heart surgery.I learned how to calculate longitude.Mauritius has a lost sunken continent near by in the water.Kaiserslautern, Germany was one of the 12 cities in Germany to host the

2006 World Cup.When our photoperiod grows, the southern hemisphere’s shrinks.On Friday, May 3 Journey North will have exposed the Big Reveal and we

can see how close our predictions were.

Mystery Classroom Geography

May 2013 WG Revised_Westminster Gazette 5/5/2013 11:31 PM

Westminster Gazette May 2013

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This monument is located at the corners of School and Main Streets inWestminster Center. It is a war monument that bears the names of the World WarI casualties from Westminster. It was dedicated on July 4th, 1920 with a bronzeplaque on a granite slab.

The picture had only one correct guess – Barb Greenough.

Cole Streeter(802)722-3178

Box 103Westminster, VT 05158

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POST OFFICE BOX 147WESTMINSTER, VERMONT 05158Email: [email protected]

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Don’t Like Your Property Tax Bill?It’s Grievance Time


Just in time for VolunteerRecognition Day, Kurn Hattin Homesheld its Annual Volunteer RecognitionBanquet on March 26th to honor themany people who volunteer at theHomes. The team of dedicated volun-teers helps with governance, school,sports, music and special events.

Volunteering is quite often the highpoint of a volunteer’s day and childrentruly appreciate having someone take aspecial interest in them. Kurn Hattin isvery fortunate to have over one hundredvolunteers who dedicate their time, tal-ent and care for the children in a varietyof programs. Their positive impact oncampus is huge. Gandhi wrote ‘Youmust be the change you wish to see inthe world.’ Our volunteers help makethat change happen one child at a time.

Every year, the Kurn Hattin volun-teers are recognized at a special dinnerin their honor.

Honored this year were: Bill Abbott,David Adams, Laurie Alberts, DonnaAldrich, Danny Bacigalupo, DavidBaldasaro, Jerry L. Bardwell, Julie Barry, Mildred Barry, Carol Bazin, DianeBazin, Jeff Bianconi, Sue Bingaman, Carolyn Blake-Deyo, John Bohannon, Bill& Barbara Brackett, Carol Brennan-Johnson, Gordon Bristol, Donald Campbell,Gary Carrier, Fran Cheslock, Edward Clark, Sheriff Keith Clark, Gary Cobb,Pat Crotty, Vincent Cutrona, Marion Daley, Jamie Dansereau, Elizabeth David,Mary Davis, Edward Dinnany, Tim Eno, Tom & Donna Fahner, Carol Failla,Deborah Fajans Michael Fawcett, Sarah Fonseca, Justin & Shannon Fuller,Shari Gladman, Chris Goding, Father Lance W. Harlow, Elizabeth Henry,Elizabeth Hickin, John & Carol Hubbard, Elliott Hunnewell, Matt Hunter,Geoffrey Illingworth, Lyssa Jackson, Tim Janis, Charles P. Kelsey, KayKloppenburg, Michelle Knight, Jon Korpela, Bertha Lawrence, Steve H. Lee,Dorriane Lescord, Abigail Littlefield, Richard Long, James A. Lynch, ReverendSami MacRae, Elizabeth Maiola, Jackie Mallory, Rick Manson, DavidMaysilles, Tammy Mellish, Michelle Menegaz, Kathleen Michel, Sally Motzer,

Merrill Mundell, Keri Newton, Sue Nostrand, Michael J. Obuchowski, Sara &Ben Olson, Virgina Onorato, Frank Patterson, Hugh Perkins, Mary KayPfadenhauer, Mrs. Frank J. Prindl, Jasmin Queen, Caryl Richardson, MarilynRoberts, Daniel Roden, Karen & Stan Rumrill, Carmen Sanderson, CatherineSemans, Donald Shaughnessy, Susie Smith, Tina Smith, Lindsey Soboleski,Annette Spaulding & Patrick Madden, Judy Spinella, Malcolm Streeter, JaniceSussebach, Scotty Tabachnick, Polly Thompson, Susan Tidlund, Matt Tomberg,Brenda Turner, Vern & Roberta (Bobbi) Violette, Trudy Walker, Gary West,Ronald M. Williams, Janet Wilson, Larry & Bette Wunderle.

A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safehome and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families areexperiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes is entire-ly funded by private donations.

For more information, visit www.kurnhattin.org

The Westminster Cares, Inc. Board of Directors met May 1st at theWestminster Fire House at 4:30 PM with Vice President Kathy Elliot presiding.The following board members were present: Pete Harrison, Heidi Anderson,Nan Blanchard, Reggie Borden, Barbara Carey, Susan Harlow, Sally Ryea,Director Ronnie Friedman and Assistant Director Donna Dawson. ConnieSanderson, Don Dawson, Miriam Lanata and Susan Clifford were excused.Westminster Cares creates opportunities for seniors and disabled adults to livewith independence and dignity in the community. Your support to this care-giv-ing organization is a way for all of us to take care of our friends.

Services provided: Meals on Wheels -23 different WC volunteers deliveredmeals throughout the month to 15 people who are now on meals, in addition tofrozen meals to 8 people on Fridays for weekend meals.

Transportation – During the month of April, 6 rides were provided by 3 dif-ferent volunteers who drove 3 different Westminster residents to medicalappointments, shopping or programs for a total of 100 miles. There is a newvolunteer driver thanks to Susan Harlow.

Nursing program: During April our nurse continued to visit twoWestminster residents, who she will assist until a new nurse is hired.

Equipment loan – several pieces of equipment loaned out in February andseveral pieces were donated. We have received donations of an electric wheelchair and an electric scooter which we would be happy to lend to someone who

could make use of it [batteries will be needed for both]Thank you to our past and present donors.Equipment available: Walkers, commodes, shower chairs, wheel chairs,

hospital beds, electric wheel chair and electric scooter. Thanks to all who havedonated equipment in the past, but we are currently out of storage. If anyonewould like to donate equipment to us, we will gladly accept it if you can storeit for us.

Meetings attended in April included: Speaker series, bookkeeper, Gazette,Web site, committees, Springfield Cares group, potential volunteers and homevisits.

Programs during the April included: 2 Secrets of Healthy Aging session, 5Yoga classes, 27 Strength Training classes held and 4 Artist in Each of Us class-es.

Assistance and Referrals: Many hours of assistance to Westminster resi-dents and their families, working with social services agencies, SeniorSolutions, the VA, Red Cross, Adult Protective Services and the VisitingNurses.

Anyone interested in learning more about Westminster Cares, volunteeringto deliver meals on wheels or driving neighbors to doctor appointments, work-ing on a committee, making a contribution or attending a workshop may con-tact Ronnie Friedman at 722-3607 or by e-mail at [email protected].

May 2013 Westminster Gazette page 3

News from Westminster Cares

Kurn Hattin Give s a Big Thanks to Vo lunte e rs

Volunteers attending the 2013 Kurn Hattin Homes’ Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

Westminster Cares Walking Group resumes in May!Wednesdays at 9 a.m. meet at the park and ride on the Westminster Heights

Road.All are welcome and don’t forget your water.Call 722-3607 for more information.

Westminster Walking Group Resumes

Phyllis Anderson Turns 90...The family of Phyllis Q Anderson of Westminster is inviting friends and

neighbors to a celebration of her 90th birthday on May 18, at the WestminsterInstitute in Westminster.

It will be an open house from noon until 4 p.m. All are welcome.No gifts please.

On Sunday, June 9 friends of Artie Aiken will gather at his home at 79School St. to celebrate his 100th birthday from 12 to 4 p.m. Refreshments andlight food will be provided; guests are welcome to bring a side dish or dessert.The public is invited to stop by and wish Artie a Happy Birthday!

On June 13, Artie will be honored by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.To commemorate his 100th birthday a District Manager will visit him at hometo personally deliver a letter of congratulations. Artie worked for the railroadfor nearly 20 years.

Another longtime resident of Westminster, Louise Morse, also turns 100 onMay 20.

...And Artie & Louise Reach 100!

Come Celebrate When...

Westminster is looking for people willing work on the town’s PlanningCommission.

Community members interested in serving are encouraged to send a letter ofinterest to Westminster Planning Commission, P O Box 147, Westminster, VT05158, or by e-mail with “Planning Commission” in the subject line, to [email protected].

Seeking Citizens for Planning Commission


The Westminster Fire & Rescue Department holds their month-ly meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month and acombined drill on the third Tuesday of every month. Rescue train-ing is the second Tuesday of the month.

Next association meeting is May 7 at 7 p.m. The Prudential Committee meets twice a month on the first and

third Monday after the first Tuesday at 7 p.m. May Prudential meetings: 13th & 27th. Number of calls in March: 10

Number of calls in April: 24 Number of calls calendar year to Date: 146 Number of calls fiscal year to date: 254

Associat ion Meet ing: The Westminster Fire and RescueAssociation met for their regular monthly meeting April 2nd withPresident Greg Holton presiding. There were 28 members presentand 4 members excused. Currently there are 43 members of thevolunteer fire department. Barbara Greenough presented RealBazin with a portrait she did of him and read a letter she composedthanking and complimenting the volunteer fire department fortheir contribution to the Town of Westminster.

Water Concerns: Ponds and streams are very low this springand caution should be taken. The water is more than likely high inalgae and general contamination. Drinking the water or swimmingshould be avoided. Also, if there is a fire, the Fire Department willbe looking for water anyplace they can find it so the levels shouldbe maintained as deep as possible.

Burn Permits: As of this writing, the forest fire danger is quitehigh due to the lack of rain. Recent brush fires have containedunderground fire as much as two feet deep. Call one of the war-dens to see if permits are being given out.

Warden: Cole Streeter 722-3178 Deputy Warden: Mark Lund 463-9355Deputy Warden: Pat Haas 387-5778

Window, Screens & Rain Gutters: With the warm weatherapproaching, windows tend to be open more often. Be sure towatch children around open windows especially those aboveground level. Make sure screens are secure and in good condition.Every year there seems to be avoidable accidents where a childgets seriously or fatally injured from a fall from a window. Also,rain gutters tend to be plugged up with leaves and debris andshould be cleaned out so they will drain properly and not cause abackup.

Air Conditioners: It is a good idea when plugging in air con-ditioning units to have a designated circuit specifically for thatunit. This will avoid overloading the circuit and possibly over-

heating the wiring and causing a fire. Never use an extension cordwhen plugging in an A/C. It is often a temptation to leave the A/Con round the clock. It is better to shut them off for a couple ofhours each day or night and always shut them off when not athome. The cords heat up over time and could cause a fire. Keepingfilters clean and vacuuming out the unit periodically never hurts.

Gas Grill Safety: Keep your gas grill clean and in good condi-tion. There is a vent at the back of the grill that releases headsmoke and at times, flames. There have been cases where vinylsiding has melted because the grill is positioned too close to awall. Many grills will have a label listing clearance recommenda-tions. If not, 24 inches is a good standard. Propane cylinders canalso be dangerous. Be sure they are not stored indoors, but outsidein a well ventilated area. And watch out for bees. Nests are apt tobe made in an idle grill and could be a big and unsuspected sur-prise when the cover is removed.

The Westminster Fire & Rescue Association welcomes dona-tions throughout the year from anyone wishing to remember aloved one or a friend.

Donations received in April: Diane and John O'Brien, Jr. Myra Ashcroft to the Studebaker Fund Ken Derby AVOLUNTEERS NEEDED: From time to time there is a need for

food to be brought to the Fire House. During calls when the firefighters are out for an extended period of time, having something toeat or drink when they return is a huge compliment. Also, once in agreat while there are special events which require feeding a largenumber of people.

If you are available and are willing to be on a call list for theseoccasions or if you just want more information, call Chief ColeStreeter or June Streeter at 722-3178 and let them know. This is agreat way to help the people who help the community in so manyways. Thanks in advance.

We are always looking for new members: Anyone interested involunteering their time to help the community in a time of need,please contact Chief Cole Streeter at 722-3178 or stop by theFirehouse any Sunday morning and pick up an application.

We would l ike to have additional volunteers from theWestminster West area. There is a Fire House, an engine and a res-cue vehicle located in Westminster West and more help is needed toutilize that equipment during calls.

As always, we would like to thank the community for its contin-ued support of the fire department.

The Westminster Fire and Rescue Association, Inc. operates independently from Westminster Fire District #3.

page 4 Westminster Gazette May 2013

Phoenix Risingby Babs Lynde, a Vermont Master GardenerThere are many ways that a story is told, and few are told with

more differences as the one about the legendary Phoenix bird, butthere is always one main theme in how it was fire that broughtabout its spectacular rebirth. In many ways, fire is certainly dev-astating, but we humans often replace that which was burned tosomething bigger or better. Mother Nature is capable of that samefeat.

A friend of mine had a bad fire in her back yard last year due toher grandchildren finding a book of matches and setting dandelionheads on fire. Fortunately, her house and garage was untouched,but she lost her beautiful perennial garden that she had spent manyyears cultivating and nurturing. When she called me for help inreplacing some of her plants, I told her to wait a year and see whatcomes up before she starts digging around and removing roots andtubers.

Well, she called me just a few days ago to say that number one,all matches have been removed from the premises (yeah!) and sec-ondly, with very few exceptions, almost all of her perennials sur-vived the fire (double yeah!) The crocuses and daffodils are inbloom, and most of the tulips and irises are awakening and sever-al inches above ground now. Most of the bushes were scorched andcut down to ground level after the fire, but some of those are alsoshowing signs

of life this spring. The surprising news is that the scorched partof the back yard lawn seems to have regenerated itself and is inbetter than the rest of the lawn.

Although I would never encourage anyone to set fire to theirlawns without checking with our fire chief first to ensure all safe-ty concerns, many years ago our parents and grandparents wouldset fire to their lawns knowing that from the death of old stockwould rise better and thicker grass stock. The fire would burn offthe old thatch which is the remnants of previous year ’s lawn that

can often interfere in new growth if allowed to become too thick.It was also a method in controlling many destructive insects suchas aphids, grasshoppers, and plant-sucking beetles as well asinsects that were harmful to animals and humans like ticks andfleas.

Today we have many other ways of improving the growth of ourlawns. Yearly raking and adding lime to the ground in the earlyspring helps to break up any real thatch problems and actually thecleaning up of old, dead organic materials is also a good way ofkeeping down many of our problematic insects that love to hideand grow in the litter. Adding small amounts of last year ’s wood-stove ashes to your lawn is a great way of providing the nutrientsthat grasses absorb from fire ash. Keeping your grass cut to man-ageable lengths discourages grasshoppers and ticks, plus most bee-tles that are harmful to plants have no effect on humans so col-lecting them in bottles of warm, soapy water is usually all that’snecessary to keep their populations down.

In order for any accidents of this sort to happen to you, I wouldhighly recommend that you keep all matches and match-less light-ing sticks in very secure and safe places, well away from little pry-ing and exploratory fingers, always remembering that children’ssafety is our first concern, but if you should ever have a fire with-in your garden areas, wait a year or two before digging everythingup and replacing your plants. Many of them have ways of regener-ating and reproducing just as beautifully as before any unfortunatefires.

Would you like more information on fire-damaged lawns andgardens? The Master Gardeners of Vermont are trained to help youwith all your gardening needs. Call their Helpline toll-free at 1-800-639-2230, send quest ions by e-mail [email protected] or vis i t their Web s i te a twww.uvm.edu/mastergardener.

News from Westminster Volunteer Fire and Rescue



WESTMINSTER MYSTERY PHOTO

Send Your News To: [email protected]

You may e-mail your answer to [email protected] or [email protected] or phone Babs Lynde at 722-9516.

The answer and the winners will be announced in the next issue.Last Month’s Answer: On Page 3.

If you have pictures you think would make a great mystery photo stop by the town office andsee Babs Lynde.

We are looking for more mystery pictures. Have any?

This was Westminster’s old fire house as stated on the frontof the building, but where was it located and

what happened to it?

Walking, stretching, jumping jacks – we all know that getting the circulationmoving in your body makes you feel better and maybe live longer. But it’s just asimportant to get the blood moving through your brain, says Vickie Wilk, a psychi-atric nurse practitioner.

Improving vascularity in the brain can help stall cognitive decline and dementia,and help keep your mind sharp long into old age. Vickie will speak about "HelpingPrevent and Living with Cognitive Decline" on Tuesday, May 28, 5:30 p.m. at theWestminster Institute. It’s the second in Westminster Cares’ Speaking of Agingseries.

She will explain exercises that can keep your mind nimble, and how and whythey work. She’ll discuss recent research into prevention of dementia, and the dif-ference between depression and dementia and how important it is to recognize thatdifference. She’ll also have tips on how to interact with a family member or signif-icant other who has cognitive decline. Bring your questions about any of these agingissues.

Exercise can help slow the potential onset of dementia, research shows. “I don’texpect people to get out there and run a marathon,” Vickie said. “But 20 minutes,three times a week can improve vascularity, even if it means getting on the station-ary bike and getting your heart to pound a little. All of it helps.”

Mental exercise, good for neurological and physiological growth of the brain, isjust as important. So give your brain something new and different to do, Vickie sug-gests. Learn a new language. Play a number puzzle, like sudoku – especially ifyou’re used to doing crosswords or other word puzzles—and vice versa.

Another area that interests Vickie is the difference between depression anddementia. Depression is often mistaken for dementia, particularly in the elderly, shesaid. The usual barometers she uses to measure for depression are things like lackof focus and concentration, loss of appetite and poor sleep habits. “But in an olderperson, those tend to be there anyway. So I’m more apt to look at their mood, theirfeeling state and level of anxiety.

It’s crucial to diagnose depression early to help prevent dementia,” she said.Vickie became a nurse because of her godmother, Anna Booniarz, known as

“Hanti,” Polish for “Anna.” Hanti was a nurse, who developed Alzheimer’s diseasein her seventies. “I used to take her out to lunch, and I began to see signs of decline,”Vickie said. “So I had first-hand experience. And it really stimulated my curiosity.”

One of Vickie’s first jobs was on a research unit, studying the neuropsychologi-cal underpinnings of depression. Immersion in the professional world of biologicalpsychiatry and her aunt’s decline both led to her current interest “Geriatric psychi-atry is the last challenge in my professional life, and I really want to stimulatemyself.”

Vickie is a married mother of two daughters and two grandchildren, and is in asmall private group practice, Otter Creek Associates /Matrix Health System, inBrattleboro. She has worked in psychiatry since the days of state hospitals. Shereceived both her BS and MS degrees from Boston College School of Nursing, andhas worked at McLean hospital in Belmont, Mass., along with other hospitals inMassachusetts, and has taught psychopharmocology.

Vickie is also the founding mother of an Indochinese psychiatry clinic in theBoston area, started in the early 1980s, when many Cambodian refugees from theKhmer Rouge regime settled in Boston.

To thank the community for 25 years of support, Westminster Cares is present-ing a series of speakers to explore key issues in aging. Speaking of Aging is spon-sored by the Fanny Holt Ames & Edna Louise Holt Fund, Bank of America,N.A.,Trustee.

Two more Speaker Series events are schedule: Dennis McCullough, M.D., onTuesday, Aug. 6, and Willem Lang, author and VPR commentator, on Tuesday,Sept. 17. Find more at www.westminstercares.org.

“Aged in Vermont” is a monthly article on aging issues, organized byWestminster Cares. Ideas for future columns? Would you like to write one?

We’d like to hear from you. E-mail Ronnie Friedman at [email protected].

How to Live Better and Smarter:Exercise Your Brain

Westminster Cares will hold its 12th Annual Garden Tour on Saturday andSunday, June 29 and 30. The tour will again feature the gardens of Mary andGordon Hayward, nationally known garden designer, writer and lecturer.

Several other beautiful Westminster gardens will also be on the tour. The tourwill be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. People’s United Bank,Chroma Technology and C & S Wholesale Grocers have generously sponsoredthis event.

Come celebrate with us – this is Westminster Cares’ 25th anniversary year!For more information on the tour, check out our Web site for updates atwww.westminstercares.org or call the office at 722-3607.

Westminster Cares 25th AnnualGarden Tour, June 29 and 30

Kindergarten Registration May 17Kindergarten registration will be on Friday, May 17 at the Westminster Center

School. Morning and afternoon registration sessions will be available.Information will be sent to parents of incoming kindergartners we have in ourdatabase.

To request a registration packet please call or email Anne Briccetti,Westminster Early Childhood Outreach Coordinator, [email protected].

The Bellows Falls Farmer’s Market is getting ready for its 10th season oflocally grown agricultural products, prepared foods, crafts and free music. Themarket will run each Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., May 10 to October 11 at theWaypoint Center over looking the river on Depot Street in Bellows Falls.

In the past nine summers, the Bellows Falls Farmer’s Market has become astaple weekly community event, where village residents, visitors, shoppers andfamilies can mingle with local growers, crafts people and community organiza-tions. Community people have a place to be social and find healthy foods, thetown feels a financial boost, and farmers are able to make a decent living and cre-ate a loyal customer base.

Among this year’s vendors are farmers, crafters and prepared-foods vendorsfrom New Hampshire and Vermont. Look for your favorite produce fromHarlow Farm and Guerilla Grown Produce.

Special events this year will include two youth markets, Dairy Day, and aNational Farmers Market Week Celebration. In addition to our weekly livemusic local handicrafts will be represented at the market the third Friday of eachmonth, tying in with BF3F taking place at galleries and shops downtown.

For additional information about the Bellows Falls Farmer’s Market, contactmarket manager Rachel Ware at [email protected] or 463-2018.

BF Farmer’s Market Opens May 10

McKenzie Brandon has been cho-sen the March Elks Student of theMonth for Bellows Falls Union HighSchool. McKenzie, a sophomore, isthe daughter of Alicia and ScottBrandon of Saxtons River.

Described by her teachers as akind-hearted young lady, she is a plea-sure to work with and always comes toclass prepared and willing to work andlearn. A quiet leader, who leads byexample, McKenzie is a pleasure tohave in class and a good role model forothers. She is willing to help other stu-dents when they have questions, andshe regularly volunteers in class.

Attentive to academic growth, shetakes challenging classes and balances a busy schedule. She is interested ingetting as much out of her classes as she can, and she puts in the extra effort todo well. McKenzie tries to fit as much as she can into her school day. She iscurrently taking honors classes, and an on-line class so she could still takeband.

Not only is McKenzie interested in her academics, but she is interested indeveloping her musical skills as well. She is an active member of the BFUHSconcert band, jazz ensemble, pit band, and community band. Plus, she wasaccepted into the 2013 VT All State Band. She is also an athlete and plays tennis and field hockey.

Brandon Named Student of the Month


Memorial Day week-end will feature a special event for the young and youngat heart. Circus Terrificus will be performing at the Bellows Falls Opera Houseon Saturday, May 25, sponsored by the Women’s Community Club of Grafton.

A matinee at 2 p.m. for children and adults, and an adults only performanceat 7:30 p.m. will feature circus acts that have performed around the world. Atrapeze duo that starred with Cirque du Soleil, a clown from Ringling Bros., anaward-winning gymnastic duo, a gold medalist in aerial hoop and four renownjugglers headline the show. The evening’s entertainment is organized by TroyWunderle’s Big Top Adventures of Rockingham.

Tickets for the matinee are $15 for children under 12 (children under 6 mustbe accompanied by an adult), adults $25 ahead of time, $30 at the door. Theadults only 7:30 p.m. evening performance is $25 ahead of time, $30 at the door.VIP tickets with preferred seating are $50. VIPs will have a cocktail partybefore the evening performance and meet the artists after the show.

Advance tickets are available from www.brattleborotix.com,[email protected], 843-1180, or at Misty Valley Books in Chester, Village

Square Books in Bellows Falls, Ruggles & Hunt inWalpole, NH, and Gallery North Star in Grafton.

Scottish Country Dance Classes Every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in theWestminster Center School Gym. BernardMcGrath, instructor. All skill levels welcome.Contact Michael Daley for more informationat 387-2601. No charge.

Putney Contra DanceLast Saturday of every month at Pierce Hallon East Putney Falls Road, off Rt. 5 in EastPutney. A beginner’s workshop is taught at 8p.m., and the regular dance goes from 8:30to 11. A donation at the door will benefit thePierce’s Hall Building Fund. For moreinformation call 387-5985.

Senior Potluck LunchEvery 2nd Thursday of the month at noon. AllWestminster seniors are invited to attend apotluck lunch at the First CongregationalChurch on Route 5.

Bellows Falls Gallery WalkDowntown at 5:30 p.m. every 3rd Friday ofthe month.

Secrets of Healthy Aging A facilitated discussion group and pot-luck.The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month atthe Westminster Fire Station from 11:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call Westminster Cares at722-3607 for more information.

Contra DanceEvery 3rd Saturday of the month at 7:30p.m. at the Town Hall in Walpole, N.H.

Gentle YogaEvery Monday at 10 a.m. at the WestminsterInstitute. Call Westminster Cares at 722-3607 for more information.

Living Strong ClassesMondays & Thursdays at the FirstCongregational Church in Westminsterfrom 9 to 10 a.m. or at the Westminster WestChurch from 6 to 7 p.m. Call WestminsterCares for more information at 722-3607.

Knitting TogetherJoin us every Wednesday, from 1 to 3 p.m.at the Village Square Booksellers, down-town Bellows Falls. Bring your knittingneedles, we have the yarn and casualinstruction if needed to knit hats, mittensand sweaters for area kids.All our yarn is from community donationand we distribute our completed work to allarea schools and Parks Place. More knittersat all skill levels are wanted and we canpromise you an enjoyable experience. Fordetails or to donate yarn contact Caroline at463-4653.

Zumba Class - Basic Level 1 (B1)Every Sunday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at theWestminster Institute, beginning April 7.Suggested minimum donation. Please call 376-5397 or [email protected] to register or formore information.

THE GAZETTE GRATEFULLY

ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT

OF ITS UNDERWRITERS:Kurn Hattin Homes

Westminster School DistrictTown of Westminster

Durand Automotive Group Westminster Activities CommissionSojourns Community Health Clinic

Westminster CaresWestminster Fire & Rescue

AssociationThe Current operated by the Connecticut River Transit

WESTMINSTER GAZETTEEditor: Robert SmithBoard of Directors:

Elizabeth Harlow - ChairwomanRonnie Friedman

Toby YoungCharmion Handy

Angie DoddPictures and Articles

Provided by the [email protected]

Westminster HappeningsActivities Faith Community

The First Congregational Church ofWestminsterThe Rev. Sami Jones McRae, Pastor. MainStreet, Route 5, P.O. Box 122, Westminster,722-4148. Sunday worship at 10 a.m.Communion is the first Sunday of eachmonth. Sunday School is held at 10 a.m. fromSeptember to May. The church has a rampand lift for wheelchair access as well as ahandicapped bathroom. Westminster FirstCongregational is an open and affirmingchurch, all are welcome.

The Congregational Church ofWestminster West (UCC Church)

The Congregational Church ofWestminster West (United Church of Christ)worships every Sunday at 10 a.m. The pick-up choir meets most Sundays at 9 to rehearsefor that morning's anthem; newcomers tochoir are always welcome!

Holy Communion is celebrated on thefirst Sunday of every month, and on theSecond Sunday the church collects a specialoffering that goes to Our Place in BellowsFalls to help fund their food shelf.

The church building is fully wheelchairaccessible, and the congregation is Open andAffirming. Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno is thepastor, and musicians are Jennifer Hed andMargit Lilly.

Rev. Webster-Toleno currently holdsoffice hours on Monday and Thursday after-noons, and people are welcome to drop by.However, since "office hours" sometimesmeans she's out visiting people in theirhomes, it's a good idea to make an appoint-ment if you really want to catch her.

She can be reached at the church onthose days at 387-2334, via cell phone at579-8356 or e-mail [email protected].

Grace Bible Fellowship ServicesThe Grace Bible Fellowship holds its

Sunday Worship Service at 9:15 a.m. at 38Elm Street in Walpole, NH.

Find out more about the church at itsWeb site, www.gbf4hisglory.com/.

Meetings

The Deadline forThe June 2013

Issue of the Westminster

Gazette isWednesday,

May 29by 5 p.m.

Publish Date is Tuesday, June 4

To Contact theWestminster

Gazette E-mail:

[email protected]

Selectboard 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall.

Planning and DevelopmentCommission 2nd Monday at 7 p.m. inthe Town Hall.

Westminster Activities Commission2nd Monday of the Month at 6 p.m. at theWestminster Institute.

Westminster School Board1st and 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. at theWestminster Center School Library.

Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association3rd Thursday at 7 p.m. at theWestminster West CongregationalChurch.

Westminster West Public LibraryBoard 2nd Wednesday at 7 p.m. at theWestminster West Public Library.

Development Review Board 1stMonday of each month at 7 p.m. at theTown Hall.

Community Improvement ProgramCommittee meets the 2nd Tuesday ofeach month at 6 p.m.

Westminster Cares Board 1stWednesday of every month, at theWestminster Fire Station at 4 p.m.

911 Committee as needed.

The Westminster Fire & Rescue Dept.holds their monthly meetings on the 1stTuesday of every month, at 7 p.m. and acombined drill on the 3rd Tuesday ofevery month at the Westminster FireStation.

Westminster Historical Society 2ndTuesday at 7 p.m. at the WestminsterInstitute.

Westminster Gazette Meeting Tuesday, May 28 at 7:30 a.m.

Westminster Recycling CommitteeEvery 2nd and 4th Wednesday of themonth at 7 p.m. at the Westminster FireStation.

page 6 Westminster Gazette May 2013

Got any interesting stories about Westminsterand the people who livehere? Want to share somelocal history, or remi-nisce about some of ourtown’s people? TheGazette is looking forcontributions from ourreaders, and if you hadphotos to go with thestory, all the better.Contact us by e-mail [email protected].

Circus Terrificus on May 25



Spaulding & Madden Tax Services

TAX TIME IS HERE AND SO ARE WE

Annette Spaulding, Patrick Madden and stafflook forward to helping you again

in filing your 2012 tax returns.

Let us take away the stressfrom this year’s new IRS and State tax law changes.

For your convenience, we also offerRefund Transfer service so your preparation fees

can be paid directly from your tax refund.

Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 8:00 pmSaturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday By Appointment

Call now to make your appointment(802)722-4500

Spaulding & Madden Tax Services5111 US Route 5

Westminster Station, VT 05159

The Kurn Hattin Homes Select Choir was named Top Performer in the chil-dren's gospel category after making it through the final round of the choral com-petition series "Together in Song".

The show is produced and aired by Public Television member station WGBYin Western New England and highlights non-professional children’s and adults'choirs in various musical genres. The 40-member ensemble from Kurn HattinHomes for Children was the first Vermont chorus chosen to compete in the series.

The children competed against 35 ensembles for a chance to perform live onstage in the finale showcase held at the Paramount Theater in Springfield, MA.Sunday, April 28. Their performance, a gospel medley arranged by Kurn Hattin'sMusic Director Lisa Bianconi, was broadcast live along with the final perfor-mances of nine other ensembles.

Kurn Hattin Homes was awarded the "Top Performer Children's Gospel"honor following the show.

On June 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’s Take a Kid for a Hike Day, a yearly pro-gram offered by the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association to children and theirfamilies.

Tony Coven will lead a hike to the panoramic Pinnacle lookout inWestminster, and the Pinnacle Association will provide participants with a mid-hike snack and special sticker to mark the occasion. Hikers should wear sturdysneakers or walking shoes, and long pants to ward off ticks. Also bring water,bag lunch, insect repellant, and sunscreen. Meet at the Westminster West Churchto carpool to the Holden Trail Kiosk. Please contact Bev Major at 387-5737 [email protected] for information and registration.

Visit www.windmillhillpinnacle.org www.windmillhillpinnacle.org for theAccess Map and other trail maps and information, as well as for directions to theWestminster West Church. The website also lists information about otherupcoming Pinnacle programs, projects, and volunteer opportunities.

Kurn Hattin’s Select Choir is Top Performer

At WGBY's live TV Together In Song showcase, Kurn Hattin Select Choir enjoying the afterglow. Photo by Jeff Woodward.

Take a Kid for a Hike Day


Westminster Gazette May 2013 Send Submissions to: [email protected]

Pre-Sorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDWestminster, VTPERMIT NO. 3

Westminster GazetteTown of WestminsterPO Box 147Westminster, VT 05158

ATTORNEYERIC ANDERSONIndividual, Family

Business Representation

Tel. 802.722.3249 or [email protected] to Make Housecalls.

S.B. & Company Auctioneers, Antiques

Buying entire estates or single items. Probate appraisals

46 Canal St. Bellows Falls Vt 802-460-1190

Our Monthly Community Newspaper May 2013 Vol. 9, No. 5

Vernon & Doreen KeltonPO Box 94, Westminster Station,VT 05159

(802) 722-4722Check us out on our website:

www.westminsterauto.com

May Business of the MonthThe Chimney Doctor

Thomas Fahner, Co-ExecutiveDirector of Kurn Hattin Homes forChildren honored the dedicated staffat Kurn Hattin Homes with Years ofService Awards during the May 1st,All Staff Meeting. Staff membersreceiving five-year awards wereCandace Caggiano, HumanResources Coordinator and SaraStine, Equestrian Program Instructor.

Ten-year awards were given toKim Fine, Senior DevelopmentOfficer; William McHugh, Houseparent; and SierraSylvester, Houseparent.

Fifteen-year awards were presented to Kristie Lisai,teacher; and Darlene Pecor, Admissions Assistant.

A 20-year award was given to Richard Johnson,

Director of Food Services.Richard stated, “I feel great satis-

faction serving good food to the chil-dren and staff.” And a 30-year awardwas presented to Ann Hadley,teacher. “It’s great to be part of a lov-ing, caring and extraordinary com-munity”, she proudly quoted.

All the honored staff received aframed certificate of appreciation andan extra paid day off to use in the newfiscal year. The twenty-year honoree

also received a Kurn Hattin rocking chair which hedonated to the Kurn Hattin library for the children touse while reading. Tom Fahner concluded the awardceremony with his praises to all the staff for their dedication.

This is our 27th year serving the chimney service needs of the ConnecticutRiver Valley. I can't think of a more gracious and friendly place to conduct busi-ness.

We sweep, cap, reline and repair chimneys and service dryer vents. We selland service high efficiency wood and pellet appliances. We also do internal videoand real estate inspections.

My son Luke has been working in the field with me sweeping and reliningchimneys, it has been a real joy to be able to spend time with my son sharing atrade that he grew up around.

We recently attended the National Chimney Sweep Guild Convention inBranson, MO, where Luke passed his Chimney Safety Institute Certified Sweepexam. Alas, for me, Luke is leaving in the fall to pursue a degree in nutrution atthe University of Pittsburgh. Needless to say we are very happy for him.

The search is on for an individual who has the unique combination of cus-tomer service skills and technical aptitude to fill his place.

We have combined the Vermont and New Hampshire Sweep Guilds to formon organization called the Northeast Association of Chimney and HearthProfessionals, of which I am honored to be the current vice president.

At 56, I continue to enjoy diagnosing and solving chimney and venting issuesin an increasingly technical world. I especially like educating customers on effi-cient woodstove operation and the benefits of newer EPA certified units.Remember, now is the best time to have your chimney and stove looked at beforethe heating season comes around and you really need them!

Soot and Salutations!

Kurn Hattin Honors Its Dedicated, Longtime Staff


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